Cervicitis

Laura Miller MD

The Common Vein Copyright 2010

Definition

Cervicitis is an inflammatory disease of the uterine cervix frequently caused by infection.

The cause of infection can be viral (Herpes Simplex, Human Papilloma Virus), but is most often bacterial (Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis).

The result is infection and inflammation of the cervix.

The structural changes are characterized by inflammation of the endocervix or ectocervix with infiltration of the cervical mucosa and submucosa with a large number of neutrophils.

The functional changes are characterized by chronic infection with increased production of cervical mucus.

Clinically, most women are asymptomatic, but may present with vaginal discharge. Cervicitis may progress to pelvic inflammatory disease causing abdominal pain and infertility.

Diagnosis is made based on findings on physical exam including cervical motion tenderness and pus in the endocervical canal or on a cervical swab. Cervical discharge is often sent for gram stain and culture to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment depends on the cause. Cervicitis with purulent cervical discharge is often treated with antibiotic therapy for N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis. The woman’s sexual partner should be treated as well if an infectious cause is suspected.

This is common condition affecting women in reproductive age group and can present as abnormal vaginal discharge, chronic pelvic pain. The etiology is not always clear and certain infection such as Chlamydia and Human papilloma virus are commonly implicated.